Can a Thyroid Ultrasound Procedure Benefit You?
Standard blood tests are not always conclusive in determining thyroid (a gland in the neck that is responsible for regulating metabolism) conditions in patients. More and more physicians are taking it one step further and requesting that patients, especially those with a family history of thyroid problems, use a digital imaging system known as ultrasound machines, to detect thyroid problems that can often be misdiagnosed by blood tests. A thyroid ultrasound test is usually performed to check the shape, size, and position of the thyroid, and is done in the radiology or ultrasound department. It is a painless technique that creates images, using sound waves of organs inside the body.
An ultrasound of the thyroid gland requires no fasting or advanced preparation. The patient lies with their neck hyperextended (stretched beyond usual limit). An ultrasound technician moves a wand known as a transducer over the thyroid area that produces sound waves that penetrate the body and bounce off the thyroid gland. An internal computer located in the ultrasound machine translates the sound wave pattern into an image.
A thyroid gland can be overactive or underactive. Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid is underactive, thereby producing too little of the thyroid hormone. Ordinary symptoms of hypothyroidism may include: weakness and fatigue, tremors and nervousness, insomnia, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, dry or coarse skin, cold intolerance (low basal temperature), cold feet and hands, immune system problems, heavy menstrual periods in women, forgetfulness, poor memory, and depression.
An overactive thyroid condition known as hyperthyroidism, is caused when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than usual. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include: tremors and nervousness, weakness and fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, frequent defecation, dry, coarse, clammy skin, hair loss, heat intolerance, warm feet and hands, immune system problems, light menstrual periods in women, forgetfulness, poor memory and depression.
Women over 35 years of age and individuals with a family history of thyroid conditions should be screened every three years with ultrasound machines or sooner if recommended by a physician.
